THE FAMOUS old GEE Blocks at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in Kumasi is set to experience massive renovation works to give it a facelift.
The facility, made up of four different blocks, have not experienced any significant renovation works after it was constructed to offer healthcare to patients about 75 years ago.
The amount needed to give the facility a new look is said to be very expensive which KATH cannot meet so the hospital has contacted the Ministry of Health (MOH) to assist in that regard.
KATH CEO, Dr. Oheneba Danso, said experts have examined the state of the building and they would soon brief the MOH about the monies needed for the renovation works.
He observed that lack of proper renovation works of the old GEE blocks for so many years, has resulted in several defects on the building, which is affecting healthcare delivery.
Speaking at the KATH 2022 Mid-Year Performance Review Workshop, he noted that the roofing of the old GEE blocks leaks badly, which as a result, has led to faulty lifts in the hospital.
He also said wires that were used to wire the old building have outlived its usefulness; some of the plumbing works have been damaged and the old-looking windows needs to be changed.
He lauded the MOH for their decision to offer KATH a helping hand to renovate the old GEE blocks, which he said, are currently not in good shape and requires prompt attention.
“Among the key projects that will be prioritized apart from all those I have mentioned earlier will be the painting of the old GEE blocks, while awaiting for the MOH decision on the comprehensive renovation of the old historic architecture.
“The old GEE block’s painting project has been made possible thanks to the kind initiative of the Board. The current board has decided to undertake its own project to help the hospital”.
He said “this is one project that will greatly help to beautify the hospital and the board made the decision as part of its own contribution to the hospital due to the financial constraints of the hospital”.
The KATH Mid-Year Review Workshop was attended by departmental heads and other staff of KATH. The hospital uses such workshops to take stock of their performance and also plan for the future.
By I.F. Joe Awuah Jnr.
Kumasi
